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The Divine Comedy: Absent Friends/Victory For The Comic Muse

Venus, Cupid, Folly & Time

A colour photo of Neil Hannon lounging in a chair in a slightly dilapidated stately home, with antique furniture in the background

As part of a five-night residency celebrating their 30th anniversary, Neil Hannon’s The Divine Comedy, performing as an eleven-piece ensemble, play their 8th and 9th studio albums in their entirety.

The poignant pop of Absent Friends is filled with a mix of humour and pathos; a wonderful collection of songs that sees a return to the luscious orchestration, euphoric genius and golden voice for which Neil Hannon is celebrated.

Ninth studio album Victory For The Comic Muse is joyous and eccentric: strings and pianos pack a glorious, devil-may-care punch – capturing the effervescent and often caustic mood of a lyricist who finally seems comfortable in his own skin.

This concert will start at the advertised start time and running times will be confirmed closer to the event

This concert is subject to Government Guidance relating to Covid-19.

Produced by the Barbican

Read the programme

Black and white image of Neil Hannon posing beneath a statue

Read the programme

Neil Hannon walks through the architecture of his highly anticipated five-night residency, charting an illustrious career spanning 30 years.

Discover

Photo of a man sitting on a sofa and leaning on the arm of a chair

Listen: Absent Friends

Take a listen to The Divine Comedy's album, Absent Friends.

Photo of a green postage stamp

Listen: Victory for the Comic Muse

Take a listen to The Divine Comedy's album, Victory for the Comic Muse.

Photo of a man sitting in a hospital wheelchair and looking up

Watch: National Express

Watch the Official Music Video for The Divine Comedy's single National Express.

Barbican Hall